As the Hill reports, the
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General
(IG) announced that there will be an investigation of federal oversight
on fetal tissue research. However, HHS will not investigate Planned
Parenthood — even after a dozen videos released this summer show
top-level Planned Parenthood executives discussing the harvesting
of baby body parts.
The announcement came after a written request in October from 35 Republican senators, including presidential hopeful Rand Paul.

The Inspector General says it will probe the National Institute of
Health’s grants for fetal tissue research, as well as research conducted
by the NIH. The IG also plans to investigate federal oversight
regarding the practice.
The letter to Paul stated:

…we will interview HHS and National
Institutes of Health (NIH) officials, as the majority of HHS funding for
human fetal tissue research is awarded through NIH. This approach will
also focus on gathering relevant documentation related to policies and
procedures for monitoring fetal tissue research activities. Our goal is
to obtain information related to fetal tissue research grants, NIH’s
monitoring procedures over third-party certifications and those related
to the Department’s internal fetal research, and any known violations of
Federal requirements.

Planned Parenthood has applauded the investigation. Such a move is
not shocking, however, considering the Obama administration’s longtime
support for Planned Parenthood. However, with the small steps that are
being taken, there can be hope for an honest investigation.